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File photo Thailand on Wednesday (April 27) reported 14,887 new COVID-19 cases, 18,919 recoveries and 125 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,209,571 with 28,144 deaths. The news comes as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to attract potential tourists from European countries after the Thai government has relaxed the arrival measures for international tourists in May. Thitiporn Maneenet, TAT’s Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, said TAT believes that traveling to Thailand for international tourists would be significantly more convenient after the country would cancel its mandatory RT-PCR testing upon arrival in May for fully vaccinated visitors.** **The Pattaya News contributed to this report Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Opinion: Foreign Minister’s visit to China to strengthen existing relationships, address bottleneck issues By Natapanu Nopakun For the past two years and counting, each and every country has had to face crisis conditions and an economic slowdown on a global scale, all of which have been brought about by an unprecedented and raging pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257964-opinion-foreign-minister’s-visit-to-china-to-strengthen-existing-relationships-address-bottleneck-issues/

By Natapanu Nopakun For the past two years and counting, each and every country has had to face crisis conditions and an economic slowdown on a global scale, all of which have been brought about by an unprecedented and raging pandemic. Undeniably, it has adversely and severely affected international business and investment. It is under these current conditions where the public sector in particular, has a crucial role to play in supporting the conduct of business through high-level negotiations, opening new doors for trade and investment opportunities and reducing existing trade barriers “in all dimensions.” Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The April 2 visit to China by Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs did exactly that, by serving to reaffirm the “comprehensive strategic partnership” that exists between the two countries. It came at an opportune moment, and fully bore in mind the ultimate benefits that such a visit would have for the Thai private sector. After all, China has and continues to enjoy economic and political stability, with close and cordial cultural and historical ties to Thailand. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/39713/opinion-foreign-ministers-visit-to-china-to-strengthen-existing-relationships-address-bottleneck-issues/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

World’s first solar-fuelled hydrogen powered catamaran to dock in Pranburi By Online Reporter Something really cool is happening not far from Hua Hin from this Sunday (May 1) The world’s first hydrogen powered catamaran will dock in Pranburi as part of a six year zero emissions voyage around the world. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257954-world’s-first-solar-fuelled-hydrogen-powered-catamaran-to-dock-in-pranburi/

By Online Reporter Something really cool is happening not far from Hua Hin from this Sunday (May 1) The world’s first hydrogen powered catamaran will dock in Pranburi as part of a six year zero emissions voyage around the world. The 30 metre long Energy Observer commenced its journey from Saint Malo in northern Brittany almost two years ago. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The aim of the voyage is to prove the decarbonisation of the maritime sector is possible and that the planet’s oceans can be crossed using solar, wind, tidal power and hydrogen. The vessel is capable of creating its own hydrogen fuel by sucking up seawater while it sails at speeds of a little over 7 knots. Full story: https://www.huahintoday.com/hua-hin-news/worlds-first-solar-fuelled-hydrogen-powered-catamaran-to-dock-in-pranburi/ -- © Copyright Hua Hin Today 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Villagers concerned after fire breaks out in rental room in the Pattaya area By Tanakorn Panyadee Bang Lamung — The villagers of the Buakaow Village Community were alerted after a fire suddenly broke out in one neighbor’s bedroom yesterday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257953-villagers-concerned-after-fire-breaks-out-in-rental-room-in-the-pattaya-area/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Bang Lamung — The villagers of the Buakaow Village Community were alerted after a fire suddenly broke out in one neighbor’s bedroom yesterday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Around 03.00 p.m. yesterday, April 26th, the Pattaya Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation was notified of a fire at house number 408/50 in the Buakaow Village Community, Soi Thangmo, Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Pattaya fire fighters then hurried to the scene. There, smoke was coming out of a bedroom in a rental building adjacent to several others. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/villagers-concerned-after-fire-breaks-out-in-rental-room-in-the-pattaya-area/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Tourism Authority to focus on attracting potential tourists from European countries to Koh Samui after ‘Test&Go’ cancellation By Nop Meechukhun Koh Samui, Surat Thani – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to attract potential tourists from European countries after the Thai government has relaxed the arrival measures for international tourists in May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257952-thailand’s-tourism-authority-to-focus-on-attracting-potential-tourists-from-european-countries-to-koh-samui-after-‘testgo’-cancellation/

By Nop Meechukhun Koh Samui, Surat Thani – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing to attract potential tourists from European countries after the Thai government has relaxed the arrival measures for international tourists in May. More than 30 leading travel agencies in Europe and tourism associations in Koh Samui joined TAT’s “Agent Trade Meet” activity Monday, April 25th, to present and discuss their promotions at several tourist attractions, hotels, and activities, to prepare for and draw more tourists next month. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thitiporn Maneenet, TAT’s Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, said during the event that TAT believed that traveling to Thailand for international tourists would be significantly more convenient after the country would cancel its mandatory RT-PCR testing upon arrival in May for fully vaccinated visitors. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/thailands-tourism-authority-to-focus-on-attracting-potential-tourists-from-european-countries-to-koh-samui-after-testgo-cancellation/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Handicapped lottery seller in a wheelchair brutally assaulted and robbed in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee Bang Lamung — handicapped lottery seller in a wheelchair was brutally assaulted and robbed in the Pattaya area on Monday this week in a crime that has shocked even veteran Pattaya law enforcement officers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257951-handicapped-lottery-seller-in-a-wheelchair-brutally-assaulted-and-robbed-in-pattaya/

By Tanakorn Panyadee Bang Lamung — handicapped lottery seller in a wheelchair was brutally assaulted and robbed in the Pattaya area on Monday this week in a crime that has shocked even veteran Pattaya law enforcement officers. On April 25th, local reporters met with Surachet Sithong, a 39-year-old handicapped lottery seller, at his residence in Soi Mabayai Lea 24, Nongprue sub-district, Chonburi after being notified that a thief brutally beat and robbed him on the side of Highway Number 36, Pong sub-district, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Surachet had already reported the crime to the Huay Yai Police Station. According to his statement, he had a stress-induced stroke in the past which left the right side of his body paralyzed, but he was still slightly able to move around and make a living selling lottery tickets in a wheelchair. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Surachet told TPN reporters that at around 03.00 p.m. while he was rolling down the side of the motorway in his wheelchair a man on a motorcycle told him to stop to buy a lottery ticket, but instead Surachet was suddenly punched in the face, knocking him backward onto the ground. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/27/handicapped-lottery-seller-in-a-wheelchair-brutally-assaulted-and-robbed-in-pattaya/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai Opposition Pheu Thai Party urges government to revoke Emergency Decree after ‘Test&Go’ scheme to build tourist confidence By Nop Meechukhun Jakkaphon Tangsuthitham Bangkok – The Thai government opposition Pheu Thai Party urged the Thailand government to revoke the emergency decree after canceling the ‘Test&Go’ scheme as it did not potentially help curb the spread of Covid-19 but was rather imposed for political purposes, according to their statement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257949-thai-opposition-pheu-thai-party-urges-government-to-revoke-emergency-decree-after-‘testgo’-scheme-to-build-tourist-confidence/

Jakkaphon Tangsuthitham By Nop Meechukhun Bangkok – The Thai government opposition Pheu Thai Party urged the Thailand government to revoke the emergency decree after canceling the ‘Test&Go’ scheme as it did not potentially help curb the spread of Covid-19 but was rather imposed for political purposes, according to their statement. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai and Deputy Secretary-General for the party’s economic working group, said that the Prime Minister’s announcement to cancel RT-PCR testing for international arrivals in May was a good thing. They also suggested that the government should revoke all complicated measures for tourists, including the ‘land entry fee’ in further steps. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Moreover, the party also urged Prayut’s government to cancel the Emergency Decree when ‘Test&Go’ was officially canceled and the situation had returned to normal. According to their statement, the decree did not help prevent the spread of the coronavirus but the government rather imposed it to limit anti-government activities. Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/04/26/thai-opposition-pheu-thai-party-urges-government-to-revoke-emergency-decree-after-testgo-scheme-to-build-tourist-confidence/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Patong traffic police officer carries injured man on his back to safety after a motorbike accident on Patong Hill By Goong Nang(GN) Patong , Phuket – A young Patong Traffic Police officer carried an injured person on his back, moving the injured individual from an accident scene on Patong Hill in which reportedly a wet road caused about ten motorbikes to fall off the hill yesterday morning (April 26th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257948-patong-traffic-police-officer-carries-injured-man-on-his-back-to-safety-after-a-motorbike-accident-on-patong-hill/

Truck Operators Want Diesel Price Capped at Bt30/Liter BANGKOK (TNA) – Representatives of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand will show up at Government House on April 27 to ask the government to continuously cap the diesel price at 30 baht per liter as the government plans to stop the price limitation on. May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257947-truck-operators-want-diesel-price-capped-at-bt30liter/

‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’ cycling event set for mid-May Riders from over 30 countries and throughout Thailand are expected to partake in the 3rd staging of this landmark race in Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to advise that the ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’ cycling event is to take place from 13-15 May, 2022, in the beautiful Southern resort locale of Phang-nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257946-‘l’etape-thailand-by-tour-de-france-phang-nga-2022’-cycling-event-set-for-mid-may/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 27 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257944-thailand-live-wednesday-27-april-2022/

By Goong Nang(GN) Patong , Phuket – A young Patong Traffic Police officer carried an injured person on his back, moving the injured individual from an accident scene on Patong Hill in which reportedly a wet road caused about ten motorbikes to fall off the hill yesterday morning (April 26th). The act later went viral on social media, earning significant praise, when other drivers nearby recorded the incident. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe At about 9:30 A.M. this morning on Patong Hill, after an early rainstorm, about ten motorbikes reportedly fell off the road. One injured person, whose identity was withheld at their request, was unable to move from the accident scene. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/04/26/patong-traffic-police-officer-carries-injured-man-on-his-back-to-safety-after-a-motorbike-accident-on-patong-hill-incident-goes-viral/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

BANGKOK (TNA) – Representatives of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand will show up at Government House on April 27 to ask the government to continuously cap the diesel price at 30 baht per liter as the government plans to stop the price limitation on. May 1. Apichart Prairungruang, chairman of the federation, said its representatives would send the written request to the prime minister because without the longer limited diesel price, people would suffer from higher prices. The prices of goods were already high and if the government stopped capping the diesel price at 30 baht per liter, truck operators would raise their freight charges by 20% right away, he said. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He demanded the replacement of the energy minister and said there were solutions for the government to cut the diesel price by 5-6 baht per liter. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-930930 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Riders from over 30 countries and throughout Thailand are expected to partake in the 3rd staging of this landmark race in Thailand. TAT Newsroom Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to advise that the ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’ cycling event is to take place from 13-15 May, 2022, in the beautiful Southern resort locale of Phang-nga. H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Hosting this prestigious cycling event for the third year is another valuable opportunity to show the world Thailand is again open to the world’s tourists, to help stimulate the economy, and to help position Thailand as a major destination for sports tourism, which is a key element of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ marketing campaign.” Based on the famous ‘Tour de France’ annual bicycling championship, this landmark event was successfully staged in Thailand in 2018 and 2019. The 2019 race drew over 300 overseas cyclists and attracted more than 2,000 fans and spectators generating over 250 million Baht in revenue. This year, the ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’, which has the theme ‘The Final Great Memory’ is expecting a similarly successful turnout with overseas riders from over 30 countries and Thai riders to make up a field of some 2,000 riders. More than 8,000 fans and spectators are expected. Registration is open now at www.runlah.com/events/letapeth22 for ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’, which will have two distances of 145 km and 75 km. The starting point is in Khao Lak at the Tsunami Memorial, Boat Tor 813, and the finishing line in Takua Pa District. The picturesque scenery for which the Phang-nga region is well known for promises a stunning event for both riders and spectators. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe To partake in L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’, riders and spectators are required to meet specific criteria, which includes proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and to undergo testing by an Antigen Test Kit (ATK) before the event. The actual race day is 15 May, and a host of activities and festive fun is planned for the two days beforehand on 13-14 May. This includes a Tour de France Museum show, bicycle trade fair, bike inspection services, bike workshops, and event sponsors’ booths. As well as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a number of public and private sector sponsors are working together to make the ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’ a success. They are the Sports Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thai Cycling Association under Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, Move Asia Company Limited, and TAT. More information on ‘L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France Phang-nga 2022’ can be found at www.facebook.com/letapethailand. Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/letape-thailand-by-tour-de-france-phang-nga-2022-cycling-event-set-for-mid-may/ -- © Copyright TAT NEWS 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

by Michael Bridge Getting new business these days for your company is becoming harder unless, of course, you have a huge marketing budget. Networking is based on the question: “How can I help?” and not with “What can I get?” The good news is networking seems to be making a return. The famous Movers and Shakers events were immensely popular before the pandemic hit, with their high-style evenings attracting large numbers to swanky venues in Bangkok and Pattaya. After a long "COVID break", Thailand's premier corporate network is returning in style! This top-class event returns to Pattaya on May 6th and will hopefully also eventually return to Bangkok. By organizing these gatherings for corporate executives and business professionals, Movers & Shakers grows a sustainable network in Thailand for entrepreneurs of all kinds with their focus on Thailand. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe It is a clever format, with attendees out to meet new contacts across many fields, while having a great nite out at the same time. It also allows the many beautiful female entrepreneurs to dress up to the nines, and even the guys have been known to turn up in a jacket as well. It creates a group of acquaintances and associates and keeps it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Business cards are handed out like confetti. New Venue To attract the attendees, the organisers have found a new venue to host the event, being the recently opened Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel is naturally extremely happy to welcome everyone, as they can show off their facilities. Also, it gives a chance for local companies to sponsor the evening, enabling the organisers to bring on a disco feel with live music, prizes, and loads of great food and drink. With the pandemic hitting everyone, it is great to see these types of events returning along with Rotary and Chambers of Commerce events running. All details: https://fb.me/e/2oPUXsxoX -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Is the art of networking returning in Thailand? by Michael Bridge Getting new business these days for your company is becoming harder unless, of course, you have a huge marketing budget. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257945-is-the-art-of-networking-returning-in-thailand/

DPM Prawit, police, military deny interference in Rohingya trafficking probe Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, as well as spokespeople for the police and Defence Ministry, have dismissed an allegation, by exiled Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin, former deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, claiming that Gen Prawit had interfered with an investigation into human trafficking involving Rohingya refugees almost seven years ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257907-dpm-prawit-police-military-deny-interference-in-rohingya-trafficking-probe/

Police conclude late TV actress’s fall from boat was neither accident nor murder After two months of extensive investigation, under the glare of public scrutiny, police announced yesterday (Tuesday) that they have concluded that TV actress Nida Patcharaveerapong, aka “Tangmo” died of suffocation from drowning and that she did not accidentally fall into the Chao Phraya River, but she fell due to someone else’s negligence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257909-police-conclude-late-tv-actress’s-fall-from-boat-was-neither-accident-nor-murder/

"I couldn't control myself" says guard after stabbing his ex to death in jealous rage Naew Na Thai Caption: Jealous rage - security guard stabs ex girlfriend to death Naew Na reported on a murder outside a security company in the Pak Kret area of Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1257887-i-couldnt-control-myself-says-guard-after-stabbing-his-ex-to-death-in-jealous-rage/